We were incredibly lucky to begin our Playskill journey early, when Roman was around 18 months old. Another Playskill family recommended we get in touch, and I’ll always be grateful they did.

Roman received his diagnosis of 1p36 deletion syndrome at just 12 weeks old. From that moment, we found ourselves thrown into a world of medical terminology, hospital appointments, medications, complex reports, endless research and, above all, uncertainty. As first time parents, we tried our best, but most days it felt as though we were stumbling around in the dark, desperately trying to figure out what Roman needed. We spent hours researching therapies, interventions and support systems, often feeling like we were just winging it.

Before starting at Playskill, we had some NHS physiotherapy support, but we had been rejected multiple times for NHS speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Even though Roman had clear challenges, and even though we knew what delays were ahead, the response was always the same: his difficulties were “in line with his developmental profile.” To me, it felt like they were saying, “He’s struggling, but because he’s expected to struggle, we’ll just leave him to it.” Everything was a battle.

Our very first session at Playskill was eye opening. Suddenly everything felt…easier. There were so many wonderful, skilled therapists all working together, in the same room, at the same time - setting goals collaboratively, communicating, and actually seeing Roman as a whole child. It was incredible.

And just as valuable was the chance to sit with other parents who understood. Over a cup of tea, we could talk openly about the challenges and the worries, and for the first time in a long time, things felt a little lighter.

We attended Playskill for around two years, until Roman started at a specialist provision school. During that time, we watched him grow, develop and thrive with the extra support he needed - achieving things we were once told he might never do. His little brother was born during our Playskill journey, and he was immediately welcomed into the Playskill family too.

Even now, as graduates, we still feel very much part of the community. We attend as many events as we can – Christmas Grotto, Springfest, and the family days that mean so much to us. I still go to the additional training sessions on topics like manual handling and Wills/the legal side of SEN parenting. These sessions continue to be invaluable.

I’m extremely grateful that we found Playskill, and for everything they have given our family. Beyond the practical, hands on therapy that helped Roman progress, Playskill gave us something we didn’t even realise we were missing: a place, a support network, and a community who truly understand.

Playskill changed our journey, and I’ll always be thankful for that.